It’s still a bit of a taboo subject, which is why I will continue to talk about it, until it becomes as ‘normal’ as discussing the virtues of the reusable shopping bag against the disposable plastic carrier bag .

Yes I’m back on the hot topic of reusable sanitary protection. If you care about the environment and your health, then you might like to consider it too!

Let’s look at the facts:

The average woman uses around 17,000 items of sanitary protection in her lifetime.

Every day in the UK, approximately 2.5 million tampons, 1.4 million sanitary towels and 0.7 million panty liners are disposed of either in the bin where they get incinerated or landfilled; or down the toilet, where they can get washed out to sea.

Every year, there are 2-3 deaths from toxic shock syndrome caused by tampon use. Alice Kilvert died in 1991 from toxic shock, at the age of 15.

During the MCS beachwatch survey weekend, more than 14 towels / panty liners and 4 tampon applicators per kilometer of beach are found, on average.

Tampons are made from cotton or a mix of cotton and rayon. Use of cotton brings up issues of fair trade, pesticide use and GM.

If you’re ready to make the switch to reusable menstrual products, I have some good news. To help you celebrate fair trade fortnight, the lovely Rachael Hertogs from moontimes is offering you 10% off your order.

She stocks menstrual sponges, cups and cloth pads. To get your discount, quote ‘fairtrade‘ on checking out. You’ve got until the end of the week to place your order and get the reduction.

For further information on the importance of reusable menstrual products, check out the WEN sanpro campaign.

If you like it, share and comment!